CONCORD, NH – The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center in partnership with the New Hampshire Aviation and Space Education Council (NHASEC) will be hosting a twelve week Private Pilot Ground School course. The course will be held every Wednesday evening beginning September 22 from 6-9 PM at the Discovery Center.

Ground School Instructor Phil Poynor is an ATP (Airline Transport Pilot) with over 11,000 flight hours. He is a CFI (Certified Flight Instructor) and holds a number of awards including 2001 FAA National Flight Instructor of the Year, NY State University. Chancellor’s Award for Excellence in Teaching and the National Air Transportation Association Excellence in Pilot Training Award. Poynor is a professor of aviation at Daniel Webster College.

This special 36-hour comprehensive course will include topics such as navigation with radio equipment and maps, aerodynamics, aviation weather and how to read the sky and detailed weather reports, federal aviation regulations, aircraft systems and more. The course will introduce students to the world of flying as well as act as a refresher for even the most experienced pilot. Upon successful completion of the class, students will qualify to take the FAA Private Pilot written exam.

The course fee is $300 plus books and materials. This includes a one-year membership in NHASEC. Registration deadline is Friday, September 17. Call 271-7827 to register.

The McAuliffe-Shepard Discovery Center features 21st century interactive exhibits on aviation, astronomy, Earth and space sciences, a state-of-the-art planetarium and a variety of science, technology, engineering and math programs. The engaging, robust educational programs are geared towards families, teens, seniors, students, community groups, and lifelong learners. For more information, visit www.starhop.com.